Lawmakers wonder if gambling dollars could go a long way in solving the state’s budget woes

Rick C.
Willmar, MN     02/06/2010 1:46 PM

I think we should set up toll booths on every road entering a casino. Charge people for the privilege of leaving the Great State of MN. Charge them before they go in so still have something.

Report a Violation

larry j.
02/05/2010 7:51 PM

i thought the gambling lotto thing was all set up for wildlife

Report a Violation

Bob K.
Atwater, MN     02/05/2010 7:27 PM

Carie L., anyone who is inquisitive and asks question is not a "pain". I have only been to Mystic Lake 3 times, had my class reunion at Jackpot, stopped into Blackbear, once or twice, when I took my son back to college, and bought cigarettes at Northern Lights in Walker for my wife, eons ago. So I am a neophyte as to gambling. The reason I know about Mn was the "no end" clause signed away by the then Governor Perpich. Here is a link giving a chronological listing of how things progressed in gambling in Minnesota. http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/pubs/gambhist.pdf Start with Page 4 of the PDF. Here is another good read of Minnesota gambling - http://politicsinminnesota.com/blog/2009/12/brand-new-day-for-a-vikings-stadium/ One has to remember is the whole gaming bit, in most states, started with bingo parlors on reservations which was sort of losey-goosey as far as regulation were concerned progressing to where we are now and seem to be going in the future. The two articles will give you an idea of how things started and progressed from local control to state control to federal control.

Report a Violation

steve p.
02/05/2010 7:01 PM

The party is over. We have to raise taxes. Not some smoke and mirror gambling balony, not accounting shifts, not general revenue bonding. And, let's be honest, those pushing racinos have racist feelings. We need to pay for the things we need. Yes, with our hard-earned dollars. Cash only. No checks, credit cards, or gambling chips.

Report a Violation

Carie L.
Granite Falls, MN     02/05/2010 2:09 PM

Bob - maybe you can answer this for me - is it different in other states, then? Meaning - do other states have similar agreements with tribes regarding gambling and casinos? I guess I'm wondering if each state has the authority to establish it's own rules in this area...? And (yes, I'm a pain in the youknowwhat) if MN established gambling rights within the state in the '80's... that means that the state can also build casinos, right? It's not just limited to the Native tribes... is that correct? What about private parties? (Can you tell I'm not a big gambler...?)

Report a Violation

Bob K.
Atwater, MN     02/05/2010 1:48 PM

Cheryl B. no matter how you want to change history, you have to know the real information how gambling was allowed in Minnesota. "When Minnesotans voted to amend the state constitution to allow a state-run lottery, the legislature was authorized to establish a lottery. (The state constitution ratified in 1858 prohibited the presence of gambling in the state until changes in the late 1980s.) Once the state established gambling, the Indian reservations demanded to be included. Unfortunately, Governor Perpich “negotiated” gambling compacts with the reservations, which had no termination date. As a result, we now have Indian casinos with no termination date and no requirement that they give the state any proceeds.

Report a Violation

herbert d.
02/05/2010 12:48 PM

Just don't tax the farmers or the rich. We do not want a progressive income tax. We want a stadium for the Vikes!....maybe legalize heroin or prostitution and give more tax breaks?

Report a Violation

Ben C.
02/05/2010 10:28 AM

Harold your rant once again makes no sense at all. Need I remind you that our Governor who is a member of the GOP was the first to mention the gaming option? Reading the story the majority of the quotes are coming from DFL members and all acknowledge that this is part of a solution but hat there needs to be more than simply relaying on gambling. Now personally I would much rather see the efforts be turned to a short term tax with a sunset clause. Research it and look at that bipartisan support for it from those who held office in the past and those who help manage our States budget.

Report a Violation